The Geosciences Department is dedicated to the advancement of the Earth Sciences through education, public outreach and scholarly activities. We offer degrees in Geology, Environmental Geology and Teacher Education with an emphasis in Geology. In addition, we also offer a certificate in Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

Endowed with one of the finest natural laboratories in the United States,
FLC offers unparalleled field experiences to its students.
Photo taken by Brett Kelvie (FLC Geology Major)

FLC's variety of subjects helps prepare students for a wide range of career choices that includes geology, engineering, environmental studies, and GIS mapping We are endowed with one of the finest natural laboratories in the United States that offers unparalleled field experiences in our classes. The quality of our program is measured in the continued successes of our graduates in graduate programs, industry, government agencies, and academia. Instructors in the Department of Geosciences are dedicated to providing a sound education in geological sciences, but we strongly encourage multidisciplinary studies and community-based activities.

At Fort Lewis College you'll enjoy relatively small classes and personal attention from individual faculty members. Professors in the geology department are committed to enthusiastic, high quality teaching. Our professors have expertise in a wide variety of geological sub-disciplines, and they will give you the opportunity to assist them with their research or will guide you in your own research leading to a senior thesis.

One of the best reasons for studying geology at FLC is that you'll benefit from resources and faculty expertise typically only found at a large university, combined with an attitude of caring more characteristic of small institutions.

Many times students take one or two geology courses simply because they want to learn more about their surroundings, natural resources, or ecological problems. The geology curriculum is offered within the broader educational goals of a liberal arts education. With this foundation, graduates are well prepared to enter the field of geology or to continue their education in a graduate program at another institution.

Because of the diversity and excellence of the geology in southwestern Colorado, the department emphasizes field work, and field trips are an integral part of most courses. All geology majors go on a four-week summer Geology Field Camp which involves exploration and mapping exercises in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and sometimes California. The FLC Geosciences department has also been known to trek to the lava fields of Hawaii every other year, hike around the Southern Alps of New Zealand every few years, and can probably be convinced to create new trips to amazing places in the future.

Announcements

Geology Transfer Scholars Program

This summer we are offering the Geology Transfer Scholars Program. This program lets students transferring to Fort Lewis College to major in Geology take GEOL 202, the pre-requisite course for junior-level Geology courses, during the summer. The field course will run from approximately 8 am to 5 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from July 25 – August 12.